The 'oldest pub in Cambridge' that inspired Tolkien as he wrote Lord of the Rings

Many of those sipping a pint in the beer garden overlooking the River Cam at The Green Dragon pub on Water Street will be unaware that they are following in the footsteps of some of history's most famous men - and sitting in what is, arguably, the oldest pub in the city.

This spot may have a 21st century food and drink offering, thanks to its ownership by Green King and its menu of modern Lebanese street food dishes, but its position as a Cambridge pub is thought to date back to the 16th century. According to 'Cambridge: The Hidden History' by Alison Taylor, a pamphlet for Stourbridge Fair, which was held between the 12th and 20th centuries on Stourbridge Common, mentioned a pub called the Black Bull in the same spot.

The pamphlet described the Black Bull as a place where "the Country Chapmen generally lodge that come to the Fair, for the sake of rare strong humming Ale, for which ’tis famous; over which they get Drunk, Quarrel, and make Bargains."

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Alongside drunken, quarrelling and bargaining punters, The Green Dragon has been frequented by more than its fair share of 'important men'. As a sign on the pub's wall attests, none other than Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien regularly visited.

He is thought to have found inspiration for his novels here, as an eagle-eyed reader might spot: one of the inns of the Shire in Lord of the Rings is named The Green Dragon, supposedly after the pub.

Centuries before Tolkien, one of the most famous figures in British history spent time at the pub. Oliver Cromwell, who was elected MP for Huntingdon in 1628 and MP for Cambridge in 1640, is said to have practised his knife-throwing skills with his friends by throwing them into the fire lintel that is still in position today.

If you're looking for a pub meal with a side order of history, The Green Dragon is currently open between 5pm and 10pm, Tuesday and Wednesday; between 5pm and 11pm on Thursday; between midday and 11pm, Friday to Saturday; and between midday and 6pm on Sunday.